The 4th of July is one of my favorite holidays! It's definitely because of the fireworks. However, there are always so many fun things to do on the fourth with friends and family. I've put together a quick-look list below of things going on in and around the Santa Monica area. My best advice is to pick a spot or event and plan on spending the day and into the night there. Unless you are on a bike (or have magical transporter powers), it is going to be pretty hard to get from one place to another. Enjoy your weekend, the 4th of July, and your shortened work week. Be sure to stay safe too - ALL types of fireworks are illegal in Santa Monica, but you know people will be partaking anyway so just be careful whatever you do.
PARADES
Santa Monica - The 11th Annual Fourth of July Parade - starts at Pico Blvd. and heads down Main Street - 9AM to 11AM
Pacific Palisades - The 68th Annual Fourth of July Parade - Sunset Boulevard, between Via de la Paz and Drummond - 2PM to 10PM (Parade free, $10 tickets include concert and fireworks) - 1:50PM Skydivers for earlybirds!
Westchester - Fourth of July Parade - Loyola Boulevard from Westchester Park to LMU - 11AM to 1PM
CELEBRATIONS
Topanga - Old Fashioned Barn Dance & BBQ - Westside, Theatricum Botanicum, 1419 N. Topanga Canyon Blvd., - So much fun for all ages $8-$22 - 11AM to 5PM
Pacific Palisades - 22nd Annual Kids Fun Run - Kids 10 years of age and under are invited to run or walk in the Kids' Fun Run, which begins at 9:30 a.m. on July 4th. The course is a flat half-mile loop that starts and finishes at the Palisades Recreation Center parking lot on Alma Real. This is a non-competitive run emphasizing participation. Each child will receive a t-shirt, an American flag and a participation ribbon. There is also a 5K and 10K Course for adults that start and finish at Palisades Recreation Center starting at 8:15AM
FIREWORKS
Besides the Fireworks show in Pacific Palisades, other celebrations include:
Marina Del Rey Fireworks Celebration
Burton Chace Park
13650 Mindanao Way
Marina del Rey, CA 90292
Cost: Free
Culver City July 4th Fireworks
West LA College
9000 Overland Ave
Culver City, CA 90230
Cost: $5 (free for children under five years)
There is something for everyone so have FUN!
